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Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham continue to make big moves in the summer window, with the three London giants looking to strengthen their squads and integrate new signings as pre-season friendlies begin.
Raheem Sterling began his medical at Chelsea on Sunday night ahead of his £50million move, and Nathan Ake should soon join him at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel remains interested in Matthijs de Ligt although Raphinha looks to be off to Barcelona and the Blues have been linked with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
Arsenal have spent close to £100m but manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he wants more after signing Gabriel Jesus. A surprise move for N’Golo Kante has been reported, along with interest in Paulo Dybala, Youri Tielemans and Lisandro Martinez. Tottenham remain locked in talks with Middlesbrough to make Djed Spence their sixth summer signing and could soon field bids from Bayern for Harry Kane… Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours below!
Live updates
Barcelona move ahead in Raphinha race
Barcelona have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Raphinha.
Sport claim Leeds have accepted a bid worth £45million plus add-ons, some way below the deal Chelsea had agreed with the Yorkshire outfit.
Raphinha’s agent Deco, the former Blues and Blaugrana player, is described as integral to pulling off the unlikely move ahead of it being sealed today.
Sterling to Chelsea latest
Raheem Sterling’s £50m move to Chelsea could be confirmed today.
The England winger began his medical in London last night having returned from holiday.
A five-year contract to make Sterling the club’s highest-paid player has also been signed, ahead of the eagerly-awaited announcement.
Watch this space!
Dybala still on Arsenal’s radar
Arsenal remain in the hunt for Paulo Dybala.
Today’s Corriere dello Sport front page outlines Inter Milan and Roma’s duel for the ex-Juventus striker.
However, it is noted that the Gunners remain key contenders alongside Napoli, Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Bayern eye Kane
Bayern Munich want Harry Kane.
According to German newspaper Kicker, the Tottenham striker is the German club’s ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern want to keep the Pole until his contract expires next summer, with it acknowledged that any push for Kane could be better set then – given Antonio Conte’s resistance to any sale talks now.
ICYMI – Arsenal midfielder reveals Jose Mourinho transfer talks
Lucas Torreira has admitted to holding talks with Jose Mourinho over a potential move to Roma.
The Uruguayan spent last season on loan at Fiorentina but saw a permanent move break down after the Serie A club refused to pay a previously agreed £13m fee.
Having not played for Arsenal since July 2020, the 26-year-old remains up for sale as Mikel Arteta continues to chase more additions between now and the end of the season.
Read the full story here!
ICYMI – Cristiano Ronaldo took major Man Utd bonus before transfer demand
Cristiano Ronaldo signalled his desire to leave Manchester United just days after taking a “six-figure bonus” from the club, The Sun reports.
Ronaldo was due the payment, which included image rights and performance bonuses, when the second year of his contract began on July 1, and word of his intention to leave first circulated on July 2.
Chelsea remain linked with signing the 37-year-old, but Bayern have ruled themselves out.
ICYMI – Bids confirmed for Arsenal and Tottenham target Lucas Paqueta
Lyon star Lucas Paqueta has been the subject of bids, Lyon have confirmed, amid links with Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle.
The midfielder is considered the Ligue 1 side’s prized asset, and Newcastle failed with an offer in January during negotiations for Bruno Guimaraes.
North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs have also been credited with interest this summer, and Lyon president this weekend told reporters: “There are proposals for him.
“There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives.”
Read the full story here!
ICYMI – Chelsea make Cesar Azpilicueta transfer demands clear
Chelsea want £7million to sell Cesar Azpilicueta to Barcelona, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
The 32-year-old has already agreed personal terms on a two-year deal with the Spanish giants, which will see him pocket a substantial pay rise compared to his Blues contract.
Azpilicueta will earn £11million a season before tax and has held talks with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and new co-owner Todd Boehly about making the switch.
Chelsea want to recoup the £7m paid for Azpilicueta when he joined from Marseille a decade ago, but there is a belief that further negotiations will see the asking price lowered.
ICYMI – Sergej Milinkovic-Savic delivers Arsenal transfer blow
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to Arsenal as attentions now turn to strengthening the midfield department at the Emirates Stadium following the signing of Gabriel Jesus.
At one point, the Serbian was one of the most-highly rated stars in Europe, although his stock has dropped somewhat in recent years.
That might not ever matter to Arsenal, however, as Calciomercato claim the Lazio star has little interest of a move to north London.
Raheem Sterling: A matter of moments before Chelsea move
Standard Sport have already brought you the news that Raheem Sterling has undergone his medical ahead of a move to Chelsea.
Now, The Sun have provided an update.
They claim the England star is merely now awaiting the results of said medical, waiting to join the club’s pre-season tour in America.
